Debut album suitably combines hip- hop, rock ‘n’ roll

By Colin Comer
Staff Writer

"Self-Titled Debut" by Hesher is the latest album that seeks to find a happy medium between the worlds of hip-hop and rock 'n' roll.

Hesher’s official Web site, http://www.Hersherworld.com, explains his name bluntly. "We all know a Hesher. He’s that talented, but gloriously lazy cat whose lungs look like the bong hidden in the back of your dad’s closet that hasn’t been cleaned since 1974."

This description of Hesher, whose real name is Chip Love, will certainly lead to some comparisons with Cypress Hill, Bad Brains and Beck, as they all tend to blur the lines between genres in an appropriately laid-back, stoner-friendly style.

However, Hesher sets himself apart, and to simply call him "another Beck," would be missing all of the distinctive elements that make "Self-Titled Debut" a great album. There is a progression of feelings and styles throughout, which introduces Hesher’s multi-faceted approach to his music.

Opening the album is "Presto Chango," which rocks hard with heavy guitars and effects calling to mind Limp Bizkit or Papa Roach. As Hesher’s voice flows over the angry guitar, it’s hard not to bang your head along with him. From this, Hesher comes out of nowhere with a beat box remake of the classic Who song "My Generation" on "Whose Generation." Remakes of classic rock songs often turn out to be great disappointments (remember Britney covering the Rolling Stones); but Hesher manages to pull it off with a little help from his friends Everlast and Bizmarkie, both of whom lend their lyrical talents to the track.

As the album progresses, some songs have a melodic quality reminiscent of bands popular in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. "High Plains Grifter" is similar to Led Zeppelin while Hesher adds a touch of hip-hop, making it sound like Robert Plant jamming with the Beastie Boys. Hesher soothingly mellows out with "Somethings Always…" before dropping the short, punk track, "Lighter Thief," into the mix. It works surprisingly well, picking the pace back up with its angry, yet satirical, wailing and shouting.

The last three songs on the album bring Pink Floyd to mind, especially "Loves the Attention." "Self-Titled Debut" brings together a great variety of styles, and Hesher shows just how versatile a musician he is.

Overall, he has managed to make music in which the lines between genres aren’t just blurred — they’re eliminated. Although each track stands out, the album still maintains its continuity for an enjoyable stay in Hesher’s world.